La Timba

Chuchito Valdes
(JN)

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Armed with a new label and band Chuchito, son of master pianist Chucho Valdes, is here to make you dance. While his previous release was a latin jazz project, this CD has a little bit for everybody.

To prove that he can swing with the best salsa and timba bands out there, the set begins with "Yo tengo mi tumbao." The vocals, yes vocals are handled by Mike Maldonado, and this is timba at it's best. The song has a rumba feel to it and when Chuchito's piano solo comes in, it gives you goose bumps. Habla!

He does his grandfather's (Bebo Valdes) beautiful "Serenata en Batanga." This bolero is so sweet, you can picture yourself in a small intimate place holding your significant other and just slow grind and grind and grind some more. Mmmm....

"Africa" is a tune to let you know he hasn't forgotten his jazz roots, but "Descarga Cubano (El Manicero)" will have you begging for more. You have not heard "El Manicero" this way. Clocking in at about 12 minutes, this song will leave you exhausted on the dance floor and here the band kicks much butt. Trying to out-do each other with each solo, you either will get so into it that you'll dance like a crazed person or you'll just stand still admiring in disbelief the master musicianship.

While this recording reminded me at times of Irakere, it also shows that Chuchito is taking steps not to be pigeonholed into one category and is trying to create his own niche. I can't wait to hear what he comes up with next! Until then, dance your ass off with this wonderful release.